Of course, it is essential to educate ourselves, so as not to fall into the abyss of ignorance. But I don't know if it is possible to acquire faith only through the ways of science or philosophy, including theology. It was not my case. At least, the science did not hinder the little seed that was planted in my heart. The science doesn’t hinder the faith.
Probably it must have delayed my dedication to faith – better late than never. Or, perhaps, during that time I was always studying, deep inside science, and having direct contact with suffering and dying people, I was being prepared, in some way.
The fact is that I have learned so much how to pray, in the past few years; I have received many graces and, above all, I accepted this truth much greater than us, with humility and respect. It is indescribable.
On November 27 we celebrate the day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal [1]. We don't need to search long time to learn about so many graces received by so many people! This is a reinforcement for our faith. Social networks show us many testimonies. In the past, I viewed these testimonies with skepticism; I found psychological and scientific reasons for the reports. This "scientific" disbelief is very useful, obviously; the Church itself is strict, scientifically. But I confess that I am much more open to accept the incomprehensible, having already experienced concrete, inexplicable facts, myself.
I recommend, to anyone who is interested in entering this ineffable world of faith, to seek the help of Our Lady, Mother of God and ours (believe me, this “pious” language is a direct consequence of the minimum experience we can have in faith, it is not a mushy exaggeration). She takes us to Jesus with unspeakable sweetness. Theologically speaking, I take the words of the Second Vatican Council document, Lumen Gentium (62), in CCC 969 [2b]: "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation . . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."
In addition to the references I have already mentioned in the course of my brief text, I add other related links, below, which will certainly be clearer and wiser than my words.
"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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Related links:
[1] The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
[2a] Mary's Role in God's Plan for Our Salvation (Redemption)
[2b] LG 62, CCC 969
[3] What Is the Hypostatic Union?
[4] Understanding Catholic Devotion to Mary
[5] True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis de Montfort
[6] Act of Consecration to Mary
[8] Tha apparitions and the miraculous medal
[9] Soliloquy
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